· 16 Australian Biometric Collection Centres (ABCCs) nationwide, appointments now available
Australia is expanding its biometric collection requirements to nearly 60 countries, including India, as part of its ongoing commitment to maintaining a secure, efficient and trusted visa system. Applicants for an Australian visa in India may be required to provide biometrics, including fingerprints and a facial image, as part of the visa application process. VFS Global, the world's largest outsourcing and technology service provider for governments and diplomatic missions, will provide visa application services, including biometric collection, for Australian visa applicants, in the next phase of its longstanding partnership with the Australian Government.
In India, VFS Global will operate 16 centres in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Kochi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Panaji, Puducherry, Pune and Thiruvananthapuram, making visa application services more accessible and convenient for applicants across the country.
Visa applicants will be advised by the Department of Home Affairs if they are required to provide biometrics and will receive instructions on how to complete the process. Depending on individual circumstances, applicants may be asked to attend an Australian Biometrics Collection Centre (ABCC) in person or provide biometrics digitally through the Australian Immi App. Eligible applicants who have previously provided biometrics at an ABCC and hold a valid passport may have the option to use the Australian Immi App to provide their biometrics at no cost.
The new biometric collection requirements will apply only to visa applications lodged on or after 26 October 2026 and will not affect applications already submitted. Visa processing times are not expected to be affected, provided applicants complete any biometric requirements promptly.
All biometric information is collected, stored and managed in accordance with Australian legislation and applicable local laws, ensuring appropriate privacy and data protection safeguards are maintained.Services will include biometric enrolment and identity verification, online visa application lodgement assistance, and support with visa application charge payments through the Department's ImmiAccount portal.
The centres will operate using secure biometric collection systems that support the Australian Government's identity verification requirements. While VFS Global facilitates online visa lodgement, biometric collection and visa application charge payments, the Australian Government retains full responsibility for visa assessment and decision-making.
Yummi Talwar, Chief Operating Officer – South Asia, VFS Global, said, “This launch reflects the strength of our longstanding partnership with the Australian Department of Home Affairs, a collaboration that spans more than two decades. The establishment of 16 Australian Biometric Collection Centres across India reinforces our commitment to delivering a seamless, secure, and accessible visa application experience for travellers to Australia.”
Appointments are now availableonline. Applicants are encouraged to book before visiting an ABCC through VFS Global's Appointment Booking System (ABS) to ensure a seamless and efficientexperience.
